Wai? Cafe closes; Filipino cuisine coming here next
Several readers (Crazy Eddie, Blue Glass, Dale Goodson) noted that the unfussy, always-reliable Wai? Cafe on First Avenue near 12th Street has closed...
Coming soon in this space: Sa Aming Nayon, serving "authentic Filipino cuisine."
12 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Hopefully it will be reasonably priced. I can't tell if it's going to be a real neighborhood joint or if it's some kind of expensive, trendy, celebrity chef kind of place. I hope not. Here is some info from the CB3 website.
"1) it will operate as a full- service Philippine restaurant, serving food to within one hour of closing, 2) it will maintain a closed fixed facade, 3) its hours of operation will be from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Sundays through Thursdays and 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Fridays and Saturdays, 4) its hours of operation for its backyard will be from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Mondays through Saturdays and 12:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Sundays, 5) it will have no bar, and 6) it will play ambient background music only, consisting of recorded music."
Granted it's on the less desirable side of First Ave, but it's still pretty hard to imagine how, authentic Filipino cuisine or not, prices will be all that reasonable with restaurant owners holding a brand new 2011 lease in "boomtown" EV. And apparently without liquor, which is where the big profit margins are.
I would hardly qualify Wai as a long time fixture - 12 years I think - to a life long neighborhood resident like myself they're new kids on the block - and i tried Wai again and again to be fair - and i thought the food, service and ambiance consistently bad -so No loss if you ask me - but what do I know? I eat most of my meals at Vesalka & Odessa (still miss Leshko's!!!)
Old man - you've eaten for over 12 years at Veselka and still don't know how to spell its name? Guess it must be the long lines and mediocre food that's getting to ya...
Wai cafe was more of a take-out restaurant. It was kind of dumpy inside. There were some good things. Their fish was surprisingly so fresh and the steamed vegetables, brown rice and salad too.
Wai cafe had healthy and affordable food. Not all of us are looking for the ambiance of updated restaurants. It's definitely a loss.
@OWR Diner quality? Is that a bad thing? The prices were cheaper than a diner and the food was healthier, so I'd say that's a compliment. I guess Goat Town is more your thing.
12 comments:
Hopefully it will be reasonably priced. I can't tell if it's going to be a real neighborhood joint or if it's some kind of expensive, trendy, celebrity chef kind of place. I hope not. Here is some info from the CB3 website.
"1) it will operate as a full- service Philippine restaurant, serving food to within one hour of closing, 2) it will maintain a closed fixed facade, 3) its hours of operation will be from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Sundays through Thursdays and 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Fridays and Saturdays, 4) its hours of operation for its backyard will be from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Mondays through Saturdays and 12:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Sundays, 5) it will have no bar, and 6) it will play ambient background music only, consisting of recorded music."
Granted it's on the less desirable side of First Ave, but it's still pretty hard to imagine how, authentic Filipino cuisine or not, prices will be all that reasonable with restaurant owners holding a brand new 2011 lease in "boomtown" EV. And apparently without liquor, which is where the big profit margins are.
well that sucks.
WOW-- a long timer gone. I had no idea. This is sad.
I would hardly qualify Wai as a long time fixture - 12 years I think - to a life long neighborhood resident like myself they're new kids on the block - and i tried Wai again and again to be fair - and i thought the food, service and ambiance consistently bad -so No loss if you ask me - but what do I know? I eat most of my meals at Vesalka & Odessa (still miss Leshko's!!!)
Yes, Cafe Wai was (Asian)Diner quality food. Now if they would only take Quantum Leap with them...
Old man - you've eaten for over 12 years at Veselka and still don't know how to spell its name? Guess it must be the long lines and mediocre food that's getting to ya...
...or you're being sarcastic.
Wai cafe was more of a take-out restaurant. It was kind of dumpy inside. There were some good things. Their fish was surprisingly so fresh and the steamed vegetables, brown rice and salad too.
Wai cafe had healthy and affordable food. Not all of us are looking for the ambiance of updated restaurants. It's definitely a loss.
@OWR Diner quality? Is that a bad thing? The prices were cheaper than a diner and the food was healthier, so I'd say that's a compliment. I guess Goat Town is more your thing.
Found out that Wai Cafe is just moving to a new location in East Village according to their recorded message when I tried to call for a take out.
Grieve - please update new location of Wai if you hear anything. Thanks!
Wai will reopen soon! They are planning on end of May/beginning of June. 182 Avenue B (btw 11th and 12th St) - right next to Spin City.
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